3 Timely Drivers That Could Power Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) Stock's Breakout

"Shares of Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) have been faltering again, thanks in part to renewed fears of President Trump's tariffs on China. Just when investors thought CEO Tim Cook and company were able to put the matter behind them, there's a new haze of uncertainty surrounding the future of U.S.-China trade, especially if 100% tariffs do end up hitting soon. Still, with Apple's big investment commitments, the Cupertino, Calf.-based giant stands to benefit from exemptions."

"Either way, a deterioration of the U.S.-China trade relations isn't great news for corporate America, and especially not for Apple - a firm that stands to benefit most greatly if both nations were to reach a peaceful resolution to the trade war. Despite the recent setback, which helped nudge shares of AAPL down close to 4% from recent all-time highs, I still think the setup is looking quite good going into the final few months of the year and much of 2026."

"The iPhone 17 has been met with better-than-expected demand, at least so far, and that's helped power shares of AAPL to its prior all-time highs. Still, the big breakout has proven quite elusive, and it'll take more strength in iPhone 17 to help fuel one, at least in my view. With the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models, in particular, experiencing impressive demand, early signs might suggest that the "upgrade cycle" might finally be kicking off."

Apple shares weakened amid renewed fears of President Trump's tariffs on China and growing uncertainty over U.S.-China trade, especially if 100% tariffs materialize. Apple's sizable investment commitments could enable the company to secure tariff exemptions. A deterioration in trade relations would hurt corporate America and particularly Apple, which would benefit most from a peaceful resolution. Recent setbacks knocked AAPL down roughly 4% from all-time highs, leaving the stock up about 1% year-to-date. The iPhone 17 has shown better-than-expected demand, with strong interest in Pro and Pro Max models pointing toward a possible multi-year upgrade cycle driven by aging devices.

Read at 24/7 Wall St.